There’s something special about sitting across from a friend who’s seen every version of you—college-you, married-you, mom-you—and sharing a meal that feels like an experience instead of an obligation. My first omakase Brooklyn experience at Ikigai reminded me that friendship can be its own kind of luxury. Sometimes, the best self-care doesn’t come from a spa day; it comes from champagne, sashimi, and a friend who gets it.
When Food-Loving Friends Align
It pays to have friends who enjoy food as much as you do. I love that I can send my friend an Instagram reel of a restaurant and write “date?” and she’ll reply with “let me check my schedule for a date that works.” No overthinking. No guilt. Just two women who understand that good food and good company are non-negotiables.
This is how we got to experience Ikigai. It was my first omakase experience, and I’d later find out it was her second—she’d gone to one a few weeks back at a restaurant in DUMBO. The timing felt right for both of us.
We had actually planned to get together the month before to go to another restaurant that was on my radar. But there was a conflict. No matter how much I tried to make it work, we had to cancel. She replied, “I guess I’ll never see you again.” My response? “Noooo.” It’s so hard to find time between work, life obligations, and everything else. But somehow, we made this happen before the year closed out.
My sister sent me an Instagram reel of an omakase at this place called Ikigai in Fort Greene. I immediately sent it to my friend, saying, “Next date?” She replied, “I’ve been wanting to go for months! LOL. Let’s do it!”
And just like that, we were locked in.
@beautyandthebump My first Omakase experience at Ikigai in Fort Greene Brooklyn. #ikigai #omakase #fortgreene #foodtoks ♬ original sound – Kim | Beautyandthebump ❌
About Ikigai: A Fort Greene Gem with Purpose
Ikigai sits in Fort Greene, Brooklyn; our home turf. Both of us grew up in the area, so there’s always something grounding about coming back to the neighborhood for something special. But this wasn’t just another trendy spot. Ikigai is a Japanese kaiseki-style restaurant that operates as a not-for-profit fighting food insecurity. They’ve rescued over 475,000 pounds of food. Let that sink in.
Food insecurity is at an all-time high. I’m fortunate not to have to deal with it to the extent that some people in the neighborhood do. If my night out can contribute to fighting food insecurity, that’s a place I’ll happily support again and again.
The Booking Details
Reservations are made through Resy, and it’s prepaid at $185 per person. For both of us, the total came to $402.84 with tax. They also offer add-ons day-of, and we went for:
- Special Otoro with Caviar – $65
- $100 Beverage Pairing – Champagne Devaux Brut Grand Reserve, Kikuhime “Kinken”, Masumi “Hiyarishi”, Koshi No Kanbai, and more
There’s also a $75 non-alcoholic pairing available, but we chose alcohol because… well, alcohol makes things better.
The Experience: Slowing Down in the Best Way
The moment we walked in, I was taken by the ambience. The earthy, wood-heavy design immediately gave me ideas for my basement renovation. Lots of natural elements. Peaceful energy. The kind of space that makes you exhale.
We started in the garden with peach tea that was delicious and warm milk bread—we could’ve eaten so much of this. There was another dish I can’t quite recall, but it was the perfect grounding welcome.
Standout Dishes That Still Have Me Thinking
Otoro with Caviar – This was the must-add splurge, and it did not disappoint. Melt-in-your-mouth richness that justifies every dollar.
The Bisque-Like Seafood Dish – Rich, comforting, and crave-worthy. I’m still thinking about this one.
Okinawa Potato – Purple yam with crispy quinoa. How did they get it to taste *that* good? I need answers.
Mochi Cheesecake – As someone who doesn’t like cheesecake, I was skeptical. But their spin on this New York staple? So. Good. Light, not overly sweet, with just the right amount of tang and chew.
A special shoutout to how they accommodated my pescatarian diet—they swapped wagyu for wood ear mushrooms. Thoughtful touches like that always make me feel seen as a diner.
The $100 Beverage Pairing Was Worth Every Sip
From champagne to sake, each pour elevated the meal. The champagne was so good I’m going to look for it to have at home. Every course reminded me how much I love slowing down. I didn’t check my phone once. Not once.
Related: Strange Delight: An Unforgettable Girl’s Night Out in NYC
After Dinner: Hoodrat Things with My Friends
After we left Ikigai, I wasn’t ready to go home. I jokingly said, “I want to do hoodrat things with my friends.” I asked my friend to take me around. This gave us time to catch up. She brought me to some new spots and a place I had on my bucket list.
“Did you know there’s a speakeasy in this neighborhood?” she asked.
“Nope.”
Off we went.
I had one of the most amazing Old-fashioned (you know that’s my cocktail of choice); the whiskey was washed in black sesame. I am drooling right now just thinking about it. After chatting it up there for a bit, we headed somewhere else and got churros and another cocktail before heading home.
The Emotional Reset I Didn’t Know I Needed
This simple night out became a reset button. Sometimes, self-care for moms looks like champagne and sashimi. Other times, it’s a long laugh over a drink in your old neighborhood.
As moms, we pour into everyone else. But nights like this remind me that friendship deserves the same intention as romance. It’s not about the food (though the food was amazing). It’s about being reminded who you are outside the titles—wife, mom, manager.
I’d absolutely go back to Ikigai with my husband. But this night? It belonged to me and my friend. And that’s what made it perfect.
As someone who is married, the best advice I can give is to always make time for your friends. It’s so important to maintain those relationships. Date your friends as you would date your spouse.
The Beauty in the Bump
The “bump” in this story wasn’t just the rescheduled dinner or the challenge of finding time between work and family; it was the reminder that the most meaningful moments often come when we stop trying to make everything perfect and show up. There’s beauty in saying yes to spontaneity, in trusting that the right people will meet you where you are, and in letting a simple friend date become the kind of memory you carry with you long after the last bite. Sometimes the journey is the destination, and it tastes like otoro with caviar and black sesame old-fashioned cocktails.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Do you and your friends plan “date nights” too? Drop your favorite restaurant or speakeasy in the comments. I’m always looking for places that feed both my stomach and my soul.
Ikigai
87 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
http://www.ikigai.nyc | @ikigai.nyc